Dear friends in Christ
On this Octave Day of the Resurrection, I renew my Easter greetings to you all, wherever you are! Although I have not seen any of you for some weeks now, I know that you are seeing me through the live-streaming of the liturgies. Thank you for your perseverance and above all for the huge support of your prayers and affections during these weeks of suffering. I am most appreciative of your many Easter greetings that have come through emails, Facebook and offerings left on the door step! Many of you have continued to make your weekly offerings to the Parish by sending-in your envelopes, donating online and by the standing orders; this is especially thoughtful in these financially hard times. Normally there is a litany of thanks for all the assistance given throughout Holy Week; this year however, I wanted to thank two people who helped me in church: our Florist and the Organist who made the church and the liturgies more dignified and prayerful.
The Second Sunday of Easter celebrates the love of God as Divine Mercy. The Gospel tells of the Easter evening appearance of Jesus to the Apostles. After His death, they had locked themselves away in the upper room. As many of us find ourselves now, they were in isolation, fearful and not sure what the future held. It was precisely in this time that Jesus came amongst them and reassured them in their faith in Him and in the future.Last Sunday, before his blessing Urbi et Orbi, Pope Francis said:
This disease has not only deprived us of human closeness, but also of the possibility of receiving in person the consolation that flows from the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation. In many countries, it has not been possible to approach them, but the Lord has not left us alone! United in our prayer, we are convinced that he has laid his hand upon us (cf. Ps 138:5), firmly reassuring us: Do not be afraid, “I have risen and I am with you still!” (cf. Roman Missal, Entrance Antiphon, Mass of Easter Sunday).
We are all in this crisis together, whether we be individuals alone at home, families struggling with children, or the sick and afflicted, and those who care for them. We must all be here for one another and the wonderful spirit of support and collaboration within the Parish Family continues to inspire me in my priestly work. This is not a time for being downcast or gloomy; the Resurrection of Jesus is THE Good News, it IS the Gospel. If any of you would like to speak with me, please feel free to email or ‘phone me, as like yourselves, I remain for the most-part available at home. May God bless you all and keep you safe and secure in his merciful embrace.
Msgr Kevin Hale